Diets have long been associated with rumbling stomachs and cutting back, but the addition of one particular food to a daily routine could have spectacular results.
One study found that participants who consumed grapefruit before their meals showed significant weight loss.
That’s right, eating more actually helped them shift those pesky pounds.
The individuals who consumed half a grapefruit before each meal lost an average of 3.6 pounds over the course of three months. That means there was potential to lose around 14 pounds (one stone) over a year.
Grapefruit is often heralded as a food that can help with weight loss, but how does it work?
The fruit is made up of 92% water, which can help people feel fuller for longer. This impressive water content also helps to speed up a body's metabolism which, in turn, helps to burn fat.
It’s thought that around 20% of an individual’s daily fluid intake comes from their diet. So, eating grapefruit frequently will help keep your body hydrated.
Of course, fruit and vegetables in general are a great choice for anyone looking to lose weight, but grapefruits in particular are high in nutrients and low in calories (around 50 in a half portion). They’re also rich in fibre, which can help promote fullness and can reduce calorie intake elsewhere.
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According to experts, red grapefruits the best variety as they contain more of the antioxidant lycopene - which can help lower the risk of heart disease and some cancers. The antioxidant helps to fight free radicals, the compounds that can cause damage to cells.
Lycopene also helps to lower blood pressure and can provide a boost to immune health - something incredibly important during the winter months.
It's worth noting that pink grapefruits also contain the antioxidant, but the white variety does not.
So, as well as significant weight loss benefits, eating grapefruit everyday is also a great way to improve overall health. Those willing to push past the bitter-meets-sweet taste will reap the rewards in the long term!
Words by Lizzie Thomson
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